Dianne Allen pays tribute to lifesavers and paramedics for trying to save ‘selfless son’
The family and a sporting club have paid tribute to the man who died trying to save his children. Read what they had to say.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The mother of a “selfless man” who died saving his two children has thanked lifesavers, paramedics and locals who tried to help her son.
Brendan Allen has also paid tribute to his brother Shaun Allen, 38, who died on Sunday attempting to rescue children from dangerous river-mouth currents at Carlton Beach.
The Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club held another debriefing session on Wednesday night for about 20 members involved in the rescue and will follow-up to check how younger rescuers are coping in the wake of the tragedy.
Dianne Allen thanked everyone involved in their efforts to save her son.
“On behalf of my family I would like to sincerely thank the Carlton lifesaving club members, paramedics and the locals that tried to help save our son, on 29/12/24!” she wrote on the club’s Facebook.
“Your efforts went above and beyond and we will always be truly thankful!
“Our son was a selfless man and gave his life to save the two girls. Thank you all!”
Brendan Allen also posted after his brother’s death.
“Unfortunately today we, the Allen Family, lost Shaun Allen to the great beyond,” he said.
“He paid the ultimate price whilst saving two children from a rip at Carlton Beach, he will be missed but never forgotten and always in our hearts.
“Miss you Bro, and the BIGGEST thank you!”
Another person commented: “A good boss and an even better mate.”
The North Hobart Cricket Club said on Thursday it was “with a heavy heart” they acknowledged the passing of a previous player and current partner.
“In this unimaginably difficult time, our thoughts are with Shaun’s family and friends.
“Players will wear black armbands upon returning to the field in his honour. Once a Dee, always a Dee.”
A comment on the club’s post read: “He will be bowling right arm in swingers from the top end somewhere. RIP Shaun.”
Pete Rasmussen, who played cricket with him for more than a decade said Mr Allen ran PCE joinery and continued to sponsor the club for years after his playing days had finished and “did plenty of work up there too”.
“He was a very genuine and honest man whose loss will be felt.
“He was very kind to (wife) Kirsten and I personally at a difficult time in our lives, with a gift of his professional work which we appreciated immensely.”
Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club president Christine Gaby said a second debriefing session had “filled in some gaps”.
“Everyone’s being just super supportive of each other and holding up pretty well and realise that it was an abnormal day at the beach for us, but doesn’t mean it can’t happen again.
“We did a lot of talk around the river mouth and that it is unsafe a lot of times.
“We’ve going to follow up with our younger members again, just to make sure that they’re all okay.”
Volunteer surf lifesavers have been praised for their quick actions in rescuing the family group who were pulled aboard a surf lifesaving boat.
More Coverage
Originally published as Dianne Allen pays tribute to lifesavers and paramedics for trying to save ‘selfless son’
How Trump’s tariffs will hurt Tassie farmers, consumers
US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs will be felt in Tasmania, experts say, and shoppers will feel the impact in their hip pockets.
Rockliff’s privatisation push snuffed out by both houses
The minority Liberal government’s privatisation push looks doomed after both Houses of Parliament passed motions opposing the sale of state-owned assets.